Where To Find Career-Wear (Part Three)

For those of you who are willing to pay more for a little more style in your workwear but don't want to take out a second mortgage, there are still a lot of options for the tweener set. Here are my favorite mid-priced sources for workwear, though of course you can find great deals on the sales racks.

Zara--The Spanish international chain is famous for bringing runway knockoffs to its stores within weeks and its sizes run up to XL, which fits 14-16. I love looking here for jackets, skirts, and blouses. Pants are a little tricky for me and armholes can be small, but do give it a try.

Banana Republic--This store used to be a lot better for those up in the 14-16 range, but XL shirts, sweaters, and jackets are still relatively easy-to-find.

Talbot's--There was a time when I wouldn't be caught dead in Talbot's. To me, it was dull WASP-wear for middle-aged ladies. But in recent years, their stuff has gotten a lot better. Size 16 misses/XL is no problem to find. If you need to go a little bigger, there's Talbot's Woman, its plus sister store.

Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft--I used to swear by Ann Taylor, although in recent years I haven't liked its stuff as much. Still, I can find some very nice things for work...Ann Taylor carries up to 16, while some Lofts carry up to 18.

Anthropologie--Want to give your work wardrobe something a little different? Is your workplace boho-friendly? Anthro can be overpriced IMO but aside from finding deals in its sales racks, you can find stuff that's not terribly expensive and nice enough for casual work environments.

Store review: Anthropologie

So what do you do when you're too old for Urban Outfitters but still want cutting edge stuff for your closet and the rest of your home? Why, the same folks who bring you UO has the answer, Anthropologie, a chain of shabby chic housewares and feminine clothes aimed at ladies late 20s on up to whenever you start to feel like shopping at Chico's instead.

What's good about Anthro:

I don't really buy much of the housewares stuff but I love, love, love the clothes. They're a little bit European, a little bit fashion-forward and a little bit retro/vintage-looking, very feminine, and conservative enough for work without being stodgy. Generally, the quality is pretty decent, though it can vary. Many of the brands there are in fact in-house brands but they also carry stuff you can find elsewhere like Joe's Jeans or Generra. You can also find books, not-too-expensive fragrances, and some nice accessories. You can occasionally find some good deals in the sales/clearance section. In-store, it's easy to find up to size 12-14 though many of the clothes are available to size 16 online. I've had no trouble fitting into tops and have found size 12 skirts that fit.

The downside:

Lordy, it's expensive! Usually I head straight for the sales because I'm not too frequently in the mood to blow $100 on a cute skirt or $78 on a lovely top. Even the accessories can be pricey. The sheets and towels? I've found better prices even at stores like West Elm.

My other quibble is that the stores do not stock size 16s, even though it is a standard misses size. Given that it is aiming for a youngish but not teenage customer, it would make sense to carry up to 16 or even 18. Some bigger tops would be nice too.

Located: Nationwide. Look up http://www.anthropologie.com to find one nearest you.